Severe Economic Hardship

Overview:

If you are suffering a severe economic hardship due to unforeseen changes in your financial circumstances, you may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for authorization to work off-campus.

Examples of unforeseen circumstances:

Loss of financial support or on-campus employment

Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate

Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs

Unexpected changes in the financial condition of your source of support, such a loss of a family business

Excessive medical bills

The employment authorization is granted by USCIS in increments of one year at a time.
The authorization allows you to work for any employer up to 20 hours per week while you are registered full-time.
It also allows you to work more than 20 hours per week during quarter breaks and your annual vacation quarter.
This employment does not affect your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Employment authorization is automatically terminated if you graduate, fail to maintain status, or transfer to another school.

Eligibility:

You must have been in F-1 status for one academic year

You must be in good academic standing

You must document that on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or insufficient to meet your financial needs.

How to apply:

Contact your adviser in International Student Services (ISS) to discuss your situation before you complete the required documentation. Your adviser will determine your eligibility and assist you in completing the application and submitting it to USCIS. Required documentation includes:

Application processing times vary between two to four months. Do not begin working until you receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Other Resources

From the UW Emergency Aid website:We understand life can be unpredictable. Unexpected costs and needs can cause significant stress and impact your academic success and personal well being. That’s why the three campuses of the University of Washington have Emergency Aid to support currently enrolled UW students.